Indian Sports Highlights, January 28: East Bengal wins Super Cup

East Bengal ends 12 year trophy draught!

East Bengal wins Super Cup, Ends 12 year trophy draught- REPORT

Super Cup Final: East Bengal goes 2-1 up vs Odisha FC

East Bengal fought back from a goal down to take a 2-1 lead against Odisha FC in the Kalinga Super Cup final on Sunday. 

OFC scored the first goal in the match when Mauricio scored for them. Though East Bengal struggled for most of the first half, they appeared as a completely different outfit when the play resumed in the second half, with Nandha Kumar rattling the OFC defence from the right flank. 

Other EB players also chipped in and breached the OFC defence putting in two quick goals to go 2-1 up in the match. Nandha Kumar (52nd minute) scored a field goal, while Saul Crespo (62nd minute) scored one from a penalty. 

Making it worse for the OFC, Mourtada saw a red card bringing his side down to ten men in the 69th minute. 

FIDE changes Candidates qualification rule

International Chess Federation (FIDE), on Saturday, overhauled the qualification process for the next Candidates tournament to be held in 2026.

From the 2026 edition onwards, the runner-up of the World Championship will no longer be eligible for a direct qualification to the event.

The runner-up of the World Championship match in 2024 has to join the qualification process. The runner-up, however, will receive bonus points based on the match performance.

REPORT 

Indian men's team suffers 1-5 defeat against the Netherlands in final SA tour game

The Indian men's hockey team suffered a 1-5 thrashing at the hand of the Netherlands in its final match of the South Africa tour in Cape Town on Sunday.

For India, Abhishek (39') scored the lone goal after the Netherlands took a 5-0 lead in the third quarter.

Jip Janssen (10', 28'), Duco Telgenkamp (16'), Tjep Hoedemakers (21'), and Koen Bijen (35') were on target for the Dutch side.

Match report 

Divyansh Panwar clinches gold with world record in 10m Air Rifle at ISSF World Cup

Indian shooter Divyansh Singh Panwar clinched the gold medal in the men's 10m Air Rifle event at the ISSF World Cup in Cairo on Sunday.

Panwar not only secured the top position but also set a new world record in the event with an outstanding score of 253.7 in the final on Sunday.

The Indian shooter's journey to victory began earlier in the day when he topped the qualifying round with an impressive score of 632.4. Italian shooter D. D. Sollazzo (251.8) bagged the silver medal, while Serbia's Lazar Kovacevic (230.6) claimed the bronze medal, adding international recognition to their achievements.

India is currently leading the medal tally with two gold and as many silver medals. 

REPORT 

AIFF calls executive committee meeting to discuss removal of Shaji Prabhakaran

The Indian football federation (AIFF) summoned an executive committee meeting on Tuesday to discuss the removal of sacked secretary general Shaji Prabhakaran.

The federation, however, has not invited Shaji to the meeting even though the Delhi High Court issued a stay order on his termination from services by the AIFF.

Shaji, on his part, expressed his intent to take part in the meeting as he wishes to present his side of the story to the executive body.

REPORT 

Rohan Bopanna at 'level 43', a journey beyond physical logic

It is easier to find young champions. But when we tend to slow down, try to substitute for physical decline by using experience and tricks to the wrist and play more friendlies than highly intense and heart-throbbing matches, Rohan Bopanna Bopanna, an Indian man of tenacity, attained a dual feat at the Australian Open.

Sudipta Biswas writes about the phenomenal Indian tennis player in an article headlined - Rohan Bopanna at 'level 43', a journey beyond physical logic

Indian women's team makes a runner-up finish at FIH Hockey5s World Cup

The Indian women's hockey team suffered a 2-7 defeat to the Netherlands in the final of the FIH Hockey5s Women’s World Cup on Saturday in Muscat, Oman.

Jyoti Chhatri (20’) and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (23’) got on the scoresheet for India.

But their efforts were not enough as Janneke van de Venne (2’, 14’), Bente van der Veldt (4’, 8’), Lana Kalse (11’, 27’), and Sosha Benninga (13’) pummeled the Indian defence, scoring for the Netherlands.

Hockey India announced cash rewards for the players and the support staff. 

REPORT 

What to follow today?

East Bengal takes on Odisha FC in the final hoping to win the Super Cup on Sunday. 

At the ISSF World Cup in Cairo, more Indian shooters will look to win medals. 

The WTT Star Contender continues in Goa.

Likewise, PKL matches continue. 

What happened on January 27?

Rohan Bopanna became the oldest male to win a Grand Slam in the Open Era after he won the Australian Open men's doubles title on Saturday - REPORT 

Indian women's team defender Deep Grace Ekka announces international retirement - REPORT 

Around 700 wrestlers to compete at the senior nationals: Suspended WFI president - REPORT 

Rhythm Sangwan-Ujjwal Malik wins India's maiden gold at ISSF World Cup in Cairo - REPORT

Catch full highlights here